Compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing regulations is absolutely necessary for trucking companies. But, especially for smaller fleets, the random testing procedures can be time-consuming and confusing. Utilizing the services of a Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a part of the requirements, one that has great value for both the fleet managers and the truck drivers.
Office Tenders can help trucking companies and owner-operators navigate the random testing requirements. With affordable fees and timely service, you can gain peace of mind while saving yourself time. In addition to training materials and random pool selection, we can schedule collections and coordinate lab testing and Medical Review Officer services.
What Role Does a Medical Review Officer Play for DOT Testing?
The DOT describes a medical review officer as “a person who is a licensed physician and who is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results generated by an employer’s drug testing program”. Basically, this is a doctor who ensures that the drug and alcohol testing was done correctly and that the results are interpreted right.
For example, sometimes failing a test is not related to a truck driver’s use of alcohol or drugs. There are many medical situations that can affect testing and it is the job of the MRO to sort through these and decide what the results mean. Or a laboratory can mishandle the sample, causing incorrect results, which the MRO would be able to identify.
What Qualification Should an MRO have?
Medical review officers must be qualified for their role in the DOT drug and alcohol testing procedures. They must be a licensed physician to start with, and is often a part-time service provided by practicing doctors. Furthermore, the physician must undergo knowledge testing to ensure that they are qualified. This has to be repeated every 5 years.
MRO’s should understand substance abuse, lab results, and medical issues that can affect the test. They are trained on collection, chain of custody rules, and how to read and interpret testing results. Although trucking companies can employ a full-time MRO, most contract out for the services. The doctor cannot be connected to the lab that is doing the testing.
How are Testing Review Helpful for Trucking Companies?
Although MRO’s are required for DOT drug and alcohol testing, the service is valuable for other company testing policies as well. This helps to protect the fleet from liability from misread test results or lab error. Also, the MRO must report the medical reasons for failing a test. This can alert the trucking company if a driver doesn’t meet medical qualifications or poses a safety threat.
It is also a protection for truck drivers and employees. By ensuring the accuracy of reported results, the MRO helps drivers avoid being fired or facing repercussions despite not having used drugs or alcohol. Having a middle man validates the entire drug and alcohol testing process.
Navigating DOT Paperwork With Office Tenders
Utilizing our variety of DOT Paperwork services allows trucking companies to maintain DOT compliance easier. Browse through the services that Office Tenders provides and feel free to contact us with any questions.
